While coping with financial pressure, being away from families, speaking a different language, and navigating a new system and culture, we would like to offer international students a collaborative community space to go through these challenges. The International Student Circle Series aims to create a mentally and socially supportive space for international students to share feelings, needs, information, and resources

This circle will focus on combating financial pressures as an international student. Attendees will be invited to a group that welcomes everyone's voice, allowing you to get to know each other, share practical tips to save and make money, and bring vulnerability into the space to discuss your financial pressures, fostering mutual understanding and support. Participants attending can expect a brief activity and a facilitated group discussion in a restorative circle format for students to share more about their experiences as international students at Penn. Snacks and refreshments will also be provided. 

The restorative circle process we will be using descends from the practices of Indigenous peoples, mainly those of Tagish and Tlingit Nations, for resolution and healing in the community. We honor this legacy, acknowledging its roots and intention. A circle is an approach to conversation that makes space for all participants to speak and be heard, operating by inviting each person in the group to share in response to a question following a talking order. The circle will be facilitated by trained peer restorative practitioners at Restorative Practice at Penn (RP@P).

The event will be held in person at the Graduate Student Center in room 304 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1, and will be facilitated by Sherry Zhang (a trained circle facilitator and an MSW student).